Smokey Eye Allure: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Classic Look.

Published on 15 Feb 2024, by Shin Min-Hae | Seoul, South Korea.

The smokey eye is a makeup icon. It's seductive, dramatic, and surprisingly versatile.  Whether you're a seasoned makeup artist or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through creating a classic smokey eye that enhances your natural beauty.

Gather Your Tools

• Eyeshadow Primer: This creates a smooth base for your eyeshadow and helps prevent creasing.

• Neutral Eyeshadow: A light shade for your entire eyelid.

• Dark Eyeshadow(s): Choose shades like grey, brown, or black. Consider your eye color and desired intensity.

• Blending Brushes: A fluffy brush for diffusing color and a smaller, tapered brush for precise application.

• Eyeliner: Pencil or gel liner in a dark shade like black or brown.

• Mascara: Black or volumizing mascara to complete the dramatic look.

• Optional: Eyeshadow with a shimmery finish for a touch of glam, highlighter for the inner corners of your eyes, and false lashes for extra oomph.
  

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep Your Lids: Apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer to your bare eyelids. This creates a smooth canvas for your smokey magic.

2. Lay Down the Base: Use your neutral eyeshadow shade to cover your entire eyelid from lash line to brow bone. This creates a neutral base that will make the darker colors pop.

3. Define the Crease: With your darker eyeshadow, use a small, tapered brush to apply color in the crease of your eyelid. Gently blend upwards to diffuse the color and avoid harsh lines.

4. Smoke it Out: Here comes the smokey part! Take your fluffy brush and dip it into your chosen dark eyeshadow.  Lightly apply the color to the outer corner of your eyelid, blending it upwards and inwards towards your crease. Build up the intensity gradually, remembering you can always add more but can't take away.

5. Line and Define: Line your upper lash line with your eyeliner, starting from the inner corner and extending outwards.  For a classic smokey eye, slightly thicken the line as you move towards the outer corner. You can even create a subtle wing for added drama. For a softer look, smudge the liner with a cotton swab.

6. Lower Lash Line (Optional): Line your lower lash line with your eyeliner or a dark eyeshadow.  Keep the line thinner than your upper lash line and smudge it out for a diffused effect.

7. Highlight and Brighten: Apply a touch of shimmery eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye to brighten your look. You can also use a highlighter for this step.

8. Lashes for Days: Apply mascara generously to both your upper and lower lashes. For extra drama, consider applying false lashes.
   

Pro Tips:

• Blend, Blend, Blend: The key to a flawless smokey eye is proper blending. Use soft, circular motions with your blending brush to diffuse harsh lines and create a seamless transition between colors.

• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: While this guide provides a basic framework, feel free to play with different colors and techniques to find what flatters you most.

• Clean Up: Use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes and sharpen your lines.

With a little practice, you'll be a smokey eye pro in no time. So grab your brushes, unleash your inner makeup artist, and get ready to create a captivating look that's sure to turn heads.